Autumn 2004
Farewell To Steve Waugh
2004 Football Season | Test Feedback | Robbie Rocks
Aussie | Aussie Secures Edinburgh Military Tattoo
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE
OF THE SYDNEY CRICKET & SPORTS
GROUND TRUST
www.scgt.nsw.gov.au
CONTENTS
A FAREWELL
Steve Waugh Exhibition Draws Members to Museum
4
Breakfast with the Curator
5
Members’ Breakfast
5
The SCG Trust Chairman, Rodney
Rugby World Cup
6
Cavalier, AO, has witnessed the
Edinburgh Military Tattoo, A Salute to Australia
7
NSW Strong Year for Super 12s
8
Rabbitohs Strengthen Team with New Recruit
9
Roosters Aim to Go One Better in 2004
9
Sydney Swans
10
AFL Theme Days at the SCG
10
Bore Water
11
Deano’s Walk for Leukaemia
11
SCG and Aussie Lead the Way with Wireless Network
11
Robbie Rocks Aussie
12
Biggest Crowd for the Biggest Test
14
150th Anniversary Celebrated at the SCG
16
Member Profile: Alan Loxton, AM
17
Pride of Workmanship Award
17
SCG Trust Members’ Social Club Tours & Travel
17
Testing Time for Zimbabwe
18
SCG Wicket Puts Runs on the Board
18
36,000 Fans Cheer at 2004 World Sevens
18
Tribute to Hooksey
19
Membership Noticeboard
20
Reserved Seating for Super 12s
21
Waugh Names SCG One of World’s Best Venues
22
Honour for Trust Chairman
22
SpeedBlitz Blues
22
Out and About
23
Sydney Cricket & Sports Ground Trust
Office: Moore Park Road, Paddington
Postal: GPO Box 150, Sydney NSW 2001
Reception: (02) 9360 6601
Fax: (02) 9360 1319
Membership: 1800 80 11 55
Venue Services (Fitness Centre, Tours): 1300 72 47 37
Corporate Hospitality: 1800 88 55 55
Restaurant Bookings: (02) 9360 0771
Web: www.scgt.nsw.gov.au
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the property of the Trust and are not available for
distribution).
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Around the Grounds
evolution of Stephen Rodger Waugh
from gifted youngster to Australian
hero. Here he pays tribute to the great
Australian skipper who said goodbye to
Test cricket at the SCG in January.
I first heard the name Stephen Waugh mentioned
in 1985. I was speaking to noted journalist and
historian, Phil Derriman at the back of the Noble
Stand and he asked if I had seen this Stephen
Waugh? “Have a good look at him,” he said. “He is
going to be as good as any player in the history of
the game”.
Reminded of this prophecy, Phil later accorded all
credit to Bill O’Reilly - whose views he was reflecting.
But the truth remains, when Stephen came to the
game many had high hopes. Now retired from Test
cricket, we can reflect on his achievements and be
grateful not that he not only lived up to his potential,
but for what he brought to Australian Cricket.
Stephen made his first class debut in Brisbane in
December 1984 and was playing for Australia just 12
months later, making his Test debut against India in
Melbourne on Boxing Day 1985.
There is no doubt he was called to the baggy
green cap years before he should have been, years
before he developed the technique and the mental
strength that was to make him a master of the game.
Instead, he acquired his mastery in the middle, in a
struggling side at a time when Australian cricket did
not enjoy its current dominance.
So much has been written about Stephen’s many
epic performances, not least about his famous
innings on the sacred soil of the SCG in January
2003. But when I think back on his many
achievements it is clear that so many of Stephen’s
stand-out performances came at crucial times - not
only in the context of the individual matches, but for
Australian cricket in general.
In 1989, Stephen’s innings against the West
Indies in Perth was played on a wicket that was
considered the most favourable in the world for the
most devastatingly quick attack ever assembled –
this was to become apparent later in the match when
a rising ball found its way through the helmet of our
fellow Trustee, Geoff Lawson, and felled him instantly.
Standing at the crease with Graeme Wood,
Stephen belted the likes of Ambrose, Walsh and
TO STEVE WAUGH
Marshall to all corners of the ground,
some of his back-foot play must have
been in the class of Stan McCabe.
I can vividly recall the excitement at
the ground as I sat among players of the
Ian Chappell era. Like me, they were all
clearly ecstatic to see the reassertion of
Australian character in the Test side.
Another defining innings came against
the same opposition, this time in the West
Indies. Stephen’s 200 not out was a
stand-out in a match that broke the West
Indies dominance and started the long
period of Australian supremacy.
His centuries in both innings during
the Ashes Series of 1997 must surely go
down as his finest. The Ashes were in the
balance, we had lost the First Test, the
English were certainly no easy beats and
early dismissal in either innings would
most certainly have handed victory to
the English.
Like so many times before and since,
Stephen remained resolute even when,
during his second innings, a blow to his
wrist rendered his lower arm virtually
useless. Stephen had to endure by
deflecting, by relying on his pads or by
fighting the fierce pain that shot through
his upper arm.
I was reminded of this character
during a more recent century in Australia,
where his legs were so damaged that he
could not run. I doubt if anyone else in
"Stephen Waugh has
had the wisdom to
go out when he is on
top, at a time when
there is an
overwhelming
clamour for him to
stay on".
the history of cricket has managed to
score a century without the use of his
arms and another without the use of
his legs.
Stephen Waugh’s final moments in a
Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground were
beyond poignant. It brought back
memories not felt since 1964 when Richie
Benaud retired from Test cricket. Richie
had been playing the game from the
moment I had found an interest in cricket
and I thought he would go on playing
forever – at the time I just did not think
that Australia could ever take the field
without him.
In his final innings, Stephen’s decision
to go for a judicious slog could have
worked with a continuing run of luck. Two
previous big hits had fallen short of the
field, one had been wide.
Trying for the half-dozen big hits that
was going to turn 80 into a century, he
found Sachin Tendulkar in the deep. As
the ball nestled into his hands, a boo
began, but this was overwhelmed in an
instant by the generosity of the Sydney
crowd, sustained applause not for the
moment of Stephen’s passing but for the
glory of all the moments of his career.
The Indian side had not seen it as
their role to provide a fairytale finish to the
career of Stephen Waugh; by denying
him an easy passage, they created a
moment of magic. To watch the Indian
side gather in the wicket area to applaud
the departing batsman was the spirit of
the game at its finest.
Stephen Waugh has had the wisdom
to go out when he is on top, at a time
when there is an overwhelming clamour
for him to stay on. It is a privilege to be
able to go at a time of your own
choosing, a privilege not gifted to us all.
RODNEY CAVALIER, AO
Chairman
Autumn 2004 |
3
STEVE WAUGH
EXHIBITION
DRAWS MEMBERS TO MUSEUM
The SCG museum was the focus of much activity over the
past six months with a number of new, special focus exhibitions
mounted for the 2003-04 cricket season.
To mark the retirement of Steve Waugh the museum
mounted a photographic tribute to his last ball century in the
2003 Sydney Test at the SCG. This was complemented by items
on loan from Steve Waugh, including batting gloves from the
2002-03 tour of the West Indies, and a signed helmet worn at
the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur.
The Australian team, who took to the field under Waugh’s
captaincy in his last Test at the SCG, autographed a
commemorative bat which now features in the museum.
Indian Summers Highlights Test History
To celebrate Australia and India’s cricketing encounters, a
display titled Indian Summers was also mounted. The museum’s
photographic collection formed the basis of the display featuring
images of Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar.
Of particular interest was a photograph of the Australia XI
team which played against India in 1947, including Don
Bradman. This was the only time Bradman played against India.
Indian Summer also featured objects relating to the 1947-48
and 1967-68 Indian cricket teams, donated by long-time SCG
member Perry Brown. These included a caricature Christmas
card and signed photograph from Vijay Hazare, a close friend of
Mr Brown.
First Curator Celebrated
Both sides of the fence: the Gregory family at the SCG gives
visitors an insight into the history of the Ground and this family’s
unique connection with it.
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Around the Grounds
Ned Gregory was the first official curator of the Ground, and
his family and descendants became prominent state and national
cricketers.
The exhibition includes the Inter-colonial Single Wicket Trophy
won by Ned Gregory in 1871, on loan to the museum from
Dr Bruce Chapman and the Reverend John Chapman, and a bat
from the 1903-04 Ashes series signed by Syd Gregory and other
members of the team.
The Other Red Hanky
The museum has been fortunate to have on loan for the
duration of the cricket season a fascinating nineteenth century
“handkerchief” (or large scarf) from Mrs Bev Hendy and her
brother Russell Shatford. The printed image, in red and black, is
from an original lithograph depicting the Eleven of England, 1847.
It was brought to Australia by the lenders’ grandfather in 1911.
Behind The Scenes
The development of the museum projects owes its success
to a small number of dedicated staff and volunteers working in
conjunction with the curator, Marcelle Jacobs, in particular SCG
staff-member Madeleine Lindsell, university student Daniel
Herborn, and cricket historian Warwick Franks.
The core of every museum is its collection, and the value of
the collection is increased when it is properly cared for and
catalogued. With assistance from Museum Studies student,
Daniel Herborn, the curator has begun the cataloguing process
and, in line with current museum practice, aims to have the
collection stored on an electronic database with digital images of
every object.
BREAKFAST
WITH THE CURATOR
“That was one of the
most memorable
experiences a Member
could have. As I was
listening to the curator
however, I stood back
and soaked up as
much atmosphere
from the middle of the
Ground, as I could in
the given time frame.”
Mark and his father along with 48
other lucky Members and a guest joined
SCG Curator Tom Parker in the middle of
the SCG for an insight into the wicket
preparation for the January Test.
Each year, the Trust seeks
International Cricket Council (ICC)
approval to hold this event on the third
day of the Test. Participants are provided
half an hour to inspect the pitch, ask
questions and take photos of the SCG
wicket prior to the 8.30am ground access
restriction set down by the ICC.
Guests then returned to the Kippax
Carroll Room where Tom and other
representatives of Trust Management
answered questions over breakfast.
50 YEAR PLUS
MEMBERS’ MORNING TEA
The inaugural 50 year plus
Members’ Morning Tea was held
following Breakfast with the Curator on
day 3 of the Test Match. Around 100
Members were joined by Trust
Chairman Rodney Cavalier, AO and
Trustees Geoff Lawson, OAM, John
McCarthy, QC, Graeme Pash and
Kerry Chikarovski in what will become
an annual event.
Mark Ingram from the ACT
MEMBERS’
BREAKFAST
Due to an increased demand in bookings following Steve
Waugh’s retirement announcement, the Members’ Breakfast was
relocated into the Indoor Cricket Centre on the first day of the
Test Match.
More than 500 Members, Trustees, Cricket Australia and
NSW Cricket officials were entertained by guest speakers Mark
Waugh and Sunil Gavaskar.
ABC commentator Jim Maxwell acted as master of
ceremonies. Interestingly, Jim who celebrated 30 years of cricket
broadcasting with the ABC on December 7, began his career at
our own beloved Sydney Cricket Ground.
His opening partnership with Alan McGilvray developed over
the following 20 years and he was the heir apparent on Alan’s
retirement. Since then Australians have come to know Jim
Maxwell as the ‘voice of cricket’ on Australian radio.
Autumn 2004 |
5
RUGBY WORLD CUP
A HUGE SUCCESS AT AUSSIE STADIUM
Aussie Stadium played its part in the
recent Rugby World Cup with more than
160,000 fans attending the five matches
at Aussie Stadium – Ireland v Namibia,
Argentina v Romania, South Africa v
Georgia, Georgia v Uruguay and
Scotland v Fiji.
Ireland scored its biggest ever win in
Rugby World Cup history at Aussie
Stadium defeating Namibia 64-7 in front
of a capacity crowd at the opening
game on 17 October.
The luck of the Irish didn’t however
extend to the weather. Thousands of
spectators dressed in green to support
Ireland braved the extreme wet
conditions with their team scoring 10
tries to one against an opponent that
had won only two previous encounters
between the sides.
In the final game on 1 November,
Scotland and Fiji met in a do-or-die
encounter. It turned out to be an epic
tussle, with Scotland scoring a try in the
final three minutes of play to draw level.
A successful conversion clinched a 2220 victory for the Scots.
Members who purchased the
special Gold Members package offer
were part of capacity and near capacity
crowds with highlights also extending to
the rousing, almost home-town style of
support shown to Georgia, by their
adopted Aussie fan club.
2004
INTERNATIONAL RUGBY
AT AUSSIE STADIUM
Sat 5 June Waratahs v Scotland (TBC)
Sat 26 June Waratahs v Pacific Islands (TBC)
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Around the Grounds
The Trust is pleased to announce
that Aussie Stadium will host the
Edinburgh Military Tattoo – A Salute to
Australia in February 2005.
The Tattoo is universally recognised
as one of the finest and most
spectacular cultural events on the
international entertainment calendar.
Approximately 1300 performers will
take part in the Tattoo in Sydney. The
performance will involve massed military
pipes and drums, bands from other
services, highland dancers, choirs and
soloists, an equestrian component and
a nightly fireworks finale.
This is only the second time in its
55-year history that the Tattoo has been
staged outside Edinburgh and
represents a major coup for Sydney.
“For the first time in its
history, the Tattoo will
come to Australia in 2005
and I am delighted to
provide my support for this
much anticipated event.”
Prime Minister,
The Hon John Howard, MP
“The Edinburgh Military
Tattoo has a long and
distinguished history.
The 2005 Edinburgh
Military Tattoo, while
not only providing the
opportunity to highlight
the longstanding
relationship between
the Australian and
British Forces, will also
provide recognition of
the skills and
professionalism of the
men and women of
both Forces. I wish you
all the best in your
endeavour.”
General P.J Cosgrove, AC, MC
Chief of the Defence Force
To register your interest for advance ticket sales go to www.edinburghtattooinaustralia.com.au
Autumn 2004 |
7
NSW STRONG YEAR FOR SUPER 12s
A new coach and a new captain will
ensure the Waratahs are well positioned
for a great season of Super 12 Rugby at
Aussie Stadium.
New Waratahs head coach Ewen
McKenzie has considerable experience as
a player and coach – he is Australia’s
most capped prop, and for the past three
years assisted the Wallabies under Eddie
Jones.
Ewen has said how proud he is to
coach the NSW team and, as a former
player, accepts that there are high
expectations for 2004. He believes the
team has the right attitude and is well
positioned to do well in this year’s
competition.
“We want to show our supporters
that the Waratahs of 2004 will play each
moment as it comes, doing our very best
to win all the little contests which
hopefully lead to a rewarding season,” he
said.
“Our new captain sums up the values
we want the Waratahs to be known for.
Chris Whitaker is a totally committed
team man, courageous and skilled
footballer while always putting the needs
of others before himself.
“He is an exceptional man and a
strong leader.”
Already those leadership skills have
paid dividends with the Waratahs not only
winning their first three games, but
securing bonus points on all occasions
against the Crusaders (away) and then
the Cats and Sharks in front of their home
crowd at Aussie Stadium.
Chris Whitaker
Captain and Trust
Ambassador
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Around the Grounds
RABBITOHS
STRENGTHEN TEAM
WITH NEW RECRUITS
The Rabbitohs will look to new signings Adam MacDougall
and Terry Hill (after his return from injury) to join captain Bryan
Fletcher to add depth and experience to the club for the 2004
season.
Terry Hill believes that Paul Langmack has a good squad
assembled and believes that if the nucleus of the team can
stay together they will be ‘ultra-competitive.’ Hill was assistant
coach to Langmack at the Tigers in 2001.
Other new signings for the Rabbitohs in 2004 include Willie
Manu (Tigers), Dean Byrne (Dragons), Shane Marteene,
Glen Hall and Todd Polglaze (Bulldogs).
The competitiveness of the new team was highlighted in
the season opener at Aussie.
While the Rabbitohs did not win, they showed the resolve
that will no doubt make them a more aggressive combatant in
the remainder of season 2004.
Bryan Fletcher
Captain and Trust
Ambassador
ROOSTERS
AIM TO GO ONE BETTER IN 2004
The 2003 grand finalists’ season started with a local derby
against another foundation club, South Sydney, in a hard
fought special twilight game on Sunday 14 March at 6pm.
There have been some minor changes to last year’s team
with Todd Payten, Andrew Lomu and Eric Grothe Jnr. departing
and Gavin Lester and Luke Dorn adding their experience to the
playing roster.
Ricky Stuart and the coaching staff have been impressed
with the focus and commitment that the squad has displayed
in the tough lead up to the 2004 season.
“The senior squad has been lifted and improved by the
enthusiasm of our young players who will contribute
substantially in our attempt to win back the NRL title”, he said.
The Sydney Roosters look forward to the challenge of
repeating their performance from 2003, and they hope to go
one better to win back their premiership title.
Note: For more information see the Calendar on Page 24
or visit www.scgt.nsw.gov.au
Brad Fittler
Captain and Trust
Ambassador
Autumn 2004 |
9
SYDNEY SWANS
AFL THEME DAYS AT THE SCG
Last season the Sydney Swans surprised most pundits by
getting within a game of the Grand Final. This year is shaping
up to be just as exciting as coach Paul Roos has given his
running brigade the freedom to roam.
The athletic Adam Goodes came of age last year winning
the Brownlow Medal and being selected as All Australian before
backing up those honours with Club Champion at the Swans.
On-baller Jude Bolton and defensive midfielder Brett Kirk
emerged as crowd favourites following fine seasons last year
and the Swans attacking spearhead Barry Hall has captured
everyone’s imagination with his rampaging, take no prisoners
attack on the ball.
With Stuart Maxfield leading his young troops by example,
the Swans are now playing the type of football that had the
crowds flocking back to the SCG last year, 2004 won’t be any
different with nine games at the Swans home ground.
The first of those come in round two when Fremantle hit
town and, like the Swans, the Dockers were ranked as the
dramatic improvers of 2003 making this game a must see
event.
From there it’s Geelong on Easter Saturday night followed
by Richmond, Hawthorn, Western Bulldogs, St Kilda, Adelaide,
Brisbane and the Kangaroos.
SYDNEY SWANS v FREMANTLE DOCKERS
- Sunday April 4
The Swans first home game of 2004 promises to be a
fast-open affair with the free running Fremantle sure to give
the home side plenty to chase. Both the Swans and
Fremantle proved surprise packets during the 2003 season
with the Swans finishing third and “Freo” coming in seventh
after the final series. Fremantle proved almost unbeatable at
home but their away record wasn’t nearly as good while the
Swans pride themselves on making the SCG a house-ofpain for interstate visitors. A must see match!
SYDNEY SWANS v GEELONG CATS
– Saturday April 10 (night)
Back in 1997, the Swans and Geelong set a record which
will never be broken at the SCG, a crowd of 46,168 crammed
into the ground to watch the last round of the premiership
season. Ever since that day clashes between the Swans and
Geelong have been long on passion and hard on intensity.
Last year the Swans overcame the Cats by 39-points at the
SCG but this year the Cats are being looked upon as the big
improvers. It’s sure to be a classic encounter.
The Geelong and Fremantle matches are part of the NSW
Government’s Easter in Sydney initiative. For more details visit
www.easterinsydney.com.au
SYDNEY SWANS v RICHMOND TIGERS
– Sunday 9 May
Falling on Mother’s Day, this game is an ideal opportunity
for the family to spend time together at the SCG. The Swans
and AFL will also celebrate the role women play in football – as
coaches, managers, board members, journalists and parents.
WESTERN BULLDOGS v SYDNEY SWANS
– Saturday 29 May (night)
This traditional home match for the Bulldogs includes
the annual fundraising activity for the Swans’ charity – the
Malcolm Sargent Foundation. Join the fun and help raise
funds for kids and the families of cancer patients.
SYDNEY SWANS v BRISBANE LIONS
– Saturday 31 July (night)
Captain and Trust Ambassador Stuart Maxfield with coach Paul Roos
10 | Around the Grounds
As part of the AFL’s national Heritage Round
celebrations,
join the Sydney Swans for a match to remember their
heroes.
BORE WATER
The Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural
Resources approved the Trust’s application to sink two new
water bores at the SCG and Aussie Stadium on December 3.
The bores will be located adjacent to the irrigation tanks
and will provide predominantly bore water, rather than
mainstream Sydney water, to irrigate the SCG and Aussie
Stadium playing fields. This follows two successful on-site
Tests which commenced in June this year to determine the
quality and quantity of the bore water to irrigate both grounds.
Water from the SCG bore is drawn from 7.2m below the
surface and 8.5m from the Aussie Stadium bore at a rate of up
to two litres per second. The recommendation from the
analysis of the water samples was that the water is ideal for
irrigation of turf.
However the use of bore water is not a new initiative for
the Trust.
The SCG has had a water pump located at the rear of the
SCG Members Pavilion since the 1950’s. A new pump was
installed three years ago to irrigate garden and lawn areas
within the Members Reserve.
This latest initiative is in addition to the installation of new
shower heads around the two venues to further improve water
conservation.
DEANO’S WALK
FOR LEUKAEMIA
With pockets empty and hopes high, former Australian
cricketer, Dean Jones, left the SCG on 24 November en route
to Melbourne to raise money for the Bone Marrow Donor
Institute.
Some of Jones’ former team mates were on hand at the
SCG – Ian Healy, Mark Taylor, David Boon and Allan Border –
to farewell a colleague and friend. Border made a similar walk
from the SCG to his home state of Queensland.
One thousand, one hundred kms and 31 days later, and
with a cheque for $1,015,000 in his pocket, Deano walked into
the MCG during the opening day of the Boxing Day Test to the
applause of the crowd.
The money will be used to continue the research into
finding a cure for leukaemia. Accommodation centres are also
being set up in capital cities where people from regional areas
can stay while their family members are being treated for
leukaemia related diseases at a nearby hospital.
SCG AND AUSSIE WISH UPON A
LEAD THE WAY WITH
WIRELESS NETWORK
A dedicated and permanent high-speed wireless system
has been installed in both Aussie Stadium and the SCG for the
benefit of patrons, hirers and the media. It replaces the more
expensive and intrusive cabling and is a first for Australian
sporting venues.
Media are now able to log on to the wireless system via
their laptops with a dedicated password to access their emails,
file stories, and upload pictures from the field of play directly to
their editor back at the office with high-speed internet access.
News Limited photographers took advantage of the new
system during the January Test and the Nationwide News
Pictorial Editor Anthony Moran said it was a great success.
“During the Sydney Test match News Limited took
advantage of the brilliant new wireless system the SCG has set
up,” he said. “We have used wireless technology for some time
but this is the first time a stadium has actually offered the service.
“This was a fantastic success! Our photographers could
send images from anywhere on the ground, moving images in
seconds rather than minutes.”
Stage one of the system covers 60% of Aussie Stadium
and 90% of the SCG. Stage two, which commences early this
year, will add four more transmitters which will enable higher
transmission speeds and the activation of wireless web cams
around the two venues.
(CRICKET) STAR
Nine months ago, Mark, a 17 year old from Sydney's
southern suburbs was involved in an accident which left him
a double amputee.
After 52 operations, Mark made a special journey from
hospital to the SCG for the day-night final to prove that dreams
can come true.
The Starlight
Children's Foundation,
in conjunction with the
Trust, arranged for
Mark to have his wish
granted by meeting
the world's No. 1
batsman, Sachin
Tendulkar, prior to the
day-night final.
On the dot of 1pm, with his team mates warming up
on the field, Tendulkar emerged from the change room to
meet Mark.
It was one of those special moments with five minutes of
Tendulkar's time providing Mark with a lifetime of happy
memories following a turbulent past few months.
And Mark has the photos and autographs to prove he
wasn't dreaming.
Autumn 2004 | 11
ROBBIE
ROCKS AUSSIE
“This is probably the best concert I’ve
played – it may be my last... This is a
wonderful Stadium. You’ve been a
great audience”.
12 | Around the Grounds
Robbie Williams performed the last
two shows of his successful world tour
in Sydney at Aussie Stadium on
December 13 and 14. Many rated the
final show as the best Stadium concert
they had ever witnessed.
During the tour Williams added
another record to his long list of career
highlights, breaking the 16-year concert
attendance record at Aussie Stadium
with 97,495. Irish rock group U2 held
the previous record - In 1993 they
played to 93,691 fans over two nights.
During his final performance
Williams praised the venue saying that
we had made an arena out of a
stadium. “This is probably the best
concert I’ve played – it may be my last...
This is a wonderful Stadium. You’ve
been a great audience”, Williams said.
To achieve the transformation from
international sporting venue to first class
concert arena much went on behind the
scenes.
A great deal of work was done on
the playing surface to sustain 40,000
dancing fans for more than four hours
over the two performances.
The concert bump-in schedule
began five weeks before the first
concert. At that time 6,800sqm of
new couch jumbo rolls were laid in
preparation for another huge year
of football.
Leaving the re-turfing until after the
concert would not have given the grass
sufficient time to ‘knit’ and to maximise
the ideal growing conditions in
November.
On the Sunday preceding the first
concert the stage construction
commenced.
By early on the Thursday evening a
convoy of semi-trailers descended upon
the venue, having trucked tonnes of
production equipment up from the
Melbourne concert the previous night.
Knowing that the eastern sideline
would take the brunt of the seven days
of installing and constructing staging
and production equipment, a decision
was made not to re-turf this area until
after the bump-out had concluded.
For the duration of the two concerts
the new surface was covered with a
ground protection system.
After the concerts the field was
scarified to de-thatch the surface. It
was then Verdi-drained to alleviate
compaction and aerate the ground.
After this special treatment, routine
maintenance commenced including
top-dressing, fertilising and irrigating.
Within a couple of days there was
not even a hint of Robbie and his
record-breaking concerts.
Autumn 2004 | 13
BIGGEST CROWD
BIGGEST TEST
FOR THE
“Congratulations on a most
successful Test match. Needless
to say, the crowds exceeded
everyone’s early expectations.
Well done to all your staff on their
contribution to what was a
memorable sporting event.”
James Sutherland, Chief Executive Officer
Cricket Australia
The recent Test match against India was the highest
attended Test match in Australia in 2003-04 and the largest
five-day Test match attended in the history of the Sydney
Cricket Ground.
Over the five days, 2-6 January, 189,989 people came to
watch Australia in the deciding Test match of the series and
most importantly to farewell captain Steve Waugh in his lastever Test match.
A record number of Members attended on day one,
surpassing the previous highest attendance of Members
recorded during the 1999 Ashes Test match. Ironically
attendance by Members was 4% less in 2004, showing that
the interest in Test cricket rather than the number of Members
has increased.
This Test proved to be not so much a game, than one of
the events of the year!
In years to come attendance figures will have swelled
substantially as more people recall their own memories of
having been at the Ground for this historic occasion. This is
the stuff that Waugh stories are made of.
Preparations for this major sporting battle commenced
long before the cricket season started.
Test Masterplan
•
•
•
14 | Around the Grounds
The masterplan for this major event included:
The installation of two outdoor LED screens located on the
tennis courts and training field, providing live Channel 9
coverage of the match throughout the day. This enabled
Members to keep up to speed with all the action.
Creation of shaded breakout areas and additional catering
outlets.
Increased shade in the BBQ area adjacent to the training
wickets, with a new structure constructed on the site of
what was formerly the curator’s cottage which
accommodated the famous Gregory Family. This provided
extended breakfast and luncheon options.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The Members’ Pavilion concourse seating was increased
to 1,428 seats with sightlines and the quality of seating
improved with flip-up seats.
To cater for 50 year plus Members, the reserved seating
area in the Members’ Pavilion upper concourse was
extended from 100 to 418 on day one, with a
complimentary booking system introduced. Similar to the
Ticketek seat reservation system in the Noble Stand, all
seats in the 50 year plus Members’ area were only held
until one hour after the start of play. After this time
unoccupied seats were released to other Members.
The Ticketek seat reservation area was extended from
10% of the Members’ Reserve in 1999 to around 14% in
2004 to cope with the increased demand for reserved
seating.
The distribution of seat reservation stickers to Members
once at the Ground was restricted to the turnstiles only
to avoid multiple seats being reserved for Members not
in attendance at the Ground, thereby potentially limiting
the number of seats for other Members.
An allocation of tickets in an overflow area were available
through the Match Day Office to Members unable to find
seats. All requests by Members attending the Match Day
Office were accommodated by membership staff.
The Members’ Breakfast function was relocated to the
indoor cricket centre to cater for the increased demand
following the Steve Waugh retirement announcement.
The inaugural 50 year plus Members’ morning tea was
introduced on day three.
The Trust efforts to encourage Members to arrive
early were well heeded, as queues were twice as long as
in past years.
The record attendance on day one caused pressure on
seating, in particular on those Members wanting undercover
seating. A point of interest for Members is that the SCG has
a superior ‘Member-to-seat’ ratio than Melbourne and
Adelaide.
The seat reservation sticker system was misused, giving
the perception of fewer available seats than indicated by the
computerised turnstile system.
While acknowledging these issues, the Trust has
reviewed the feedback and a number of suggestions are
being considered for the 2005 Test Match against Pakistan,
including:
• Expanding the size of the Members’ Reserve.
• Further increasing the Ticketek reserved seating area to
meet the increasing demand.
• Redesigning the seat reservation sticker and procedures
to prevent misuse.
• Redevelopment of the ground floor area of the Members’
Pavilion to provide a new catering facility with views out
to the BBQ area and training wickets.
• Issuing queue tickets.
These options and others will be further considered
in 2004 at Gold and SCG Member focus groups.
It is now all about finding the best, collaborative solutions
to cater for the majority of Members.
“As always, the Trust provided a
wonderful venue for a memorable
match that will be remembered by
Australia for a long time.”
Robert Joske, Manager Steve Waugh
Autumn 2004 | 15
150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATED AT THE SCG
On Wednesday 15 February
1854, two teams of club cricketers
assembled on the sandy flats behind
Victoria Barracks to play the first
match on the pitch that was to
become the SCG. 150 years later two
teams came together to re-enact the
match in a celebration of Australian
cricket.
The original match was played
between the Garrison Club and the
Royal Victoria Club, two of the most
active Sydney cricket clubs. The
teams fought a closely contested
match. Either team could have won. In
the end the match went down to the
wire with the last Royal Victoria
batsman run out going for a run that
would have tied the scores.
The Governor, Sir Charles Fitzroy
attended the match and some of the
players on the day such as Frederick
Dangar went on to make a lasting
impression on the SCG and on
Australian cricket - Dangar a player for
the Royal Victoria Club - went on to
become a leading cricket official and
was the NSW Cricket Association’s
president for nine years and after that its
patron.
On Sunday February 15 2004, a
commemorative match was played at the
SCG between the Victoria Barracks and
the Cricketers’ Club of NSW – one of
today’s most active civilian clubs in
Sydney cricket - in place of the Royal
Victoria Club.
Much of the excitement of the original
match was relived, again the match was
close, this time the Victoria Barracks was
victorious, winning
by two runs.
Once again
the Governor
recognised the
importance of the
match and Her
Excellency, Professor
Marie Bashir, AC,
accompanied by her
husband and former
Trust Chairman, Sir
Nicholas Shehadie, AC
OBE, joined the
players, officials and
invited guests at the
lunch break. The
Governor presented a
commemorative
certificate and book to each player
and official participating in the match.
The Governor and Sir Nicholas
were hosted by Trust Chairman
Rodney Cavalier, AO. They were also
able to catch up with the many Trust
Life Members and Walk of Honour
inductees in attendance including
Trevor Allan, OAM, John Raper, MBE,
Rob Heming, Jon White, Trustees
Ken Catchpole, OAM, and John
McCarthy, QC, as well as the Trust’s
longest serving Member, Hedley
Ferguson.
Lieutenant General David Hurley
represented the current occupants of
Victoria Barracks for the occasion.
DID YOU KNOW?
25 Years of C’mon Aussie
at the SCG
ANZAC DAY GAME
Aussie Stadium will again host the Anzac Day clash
between the Dragons and the Roosters on 25 April. This game
has grown in stature to a major event on the 2004 NRL
calendar and will be acknowledged by the Trust from this year
with a commemorative trophy.
November 28 2003 marked the 25th anniversary of the first
World Series, One-Day International cricket match played under
lights at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
The trial match was held between Australia and West Indies.
Australia won the match by five wickets, with Dennis Lillee
named man of the match.
It was the day when six floodlight towers were lit for the first
time, the SCG gates thrown open, and a crowd of more than
50,000 cheering C’mon Aussie C’mon turned up to experience a
new breed of cricket.
Legendary Day
January 6 at the SCG is a retirement date and venue that
Steve Waugh now shares with three other greats of Australian
Test cricket - Greg Chappell, Dennis Lillee and Rod Marsh. They
all retired from Test cricket on the same day, January 6 in 1984
at the SCG.
Australia defeated Pakistan in that match by 10 wickets.
Chappell was named man-of-match scoring 182 in the first
innings; Lillee took four wickets in each innings; and Rod Marsh
claimed six catches.
16 | Around the Grounds
MEMBER PROFILE:
ALAN LOXTON, AM
SCG Trust Members’ Social
Club Tours & Travel
Alan Loxton, AM, the most recent
70 year plus SCG Member to be
acknowledged by the Trust became a
Member on 1 September 1932.
He is a father of four, grand-father of
12 and claims cricketing great Sam
Loxton as a distant relative.
Alan’s most memorable moments at
the SCG include seeing the great Stan McCabe bat, and
watching in horror as Bertie Oldfield was stretchered off the
field in the infamous Bodyline series in 1932.
However for a then 12 year old being pushed up against
the brick wall with thousands of spectators outside the SCG
on Driver Avenue prior to the gate opening is a moment
frozen in time.
On the Saturday of the Bodyline Test, he recalled
everyone being at fever pitch in anticipation of viewing what
was to become the most controversial cricket match in
history.
Sport was a family affair for the Loxton’s with Alan
attending matches with his sister Nina, two brothers (Ewan
and Bruce) and his mother and father.
He later enjoyed many rugby union matches at the
ground as well.
The Trust congratulates Alan Loxton, AM, on becoming
the 24th Member of a very exclusive SCG club.
NEW TOURS ON OFFER
The Trust is proud to announce the new naming rights sponsor
for Sportspace Tours - Experience Sport!
Experience Sport! Pty Ltd, is a company dedicated to
delivering unique sporting experiences to the passionate. As
part of this relationship Experience Sport! will offer specific
sporting/cultural tour packages to Trust Members.
The Trust Member group tours will be guaranteed:
EXCLUSIVITY The tours are SCG and Gold ‘Members
only’ and will not be offered to the general public.
QUALITY The Directors of Experience Sport! are long
standing Members. They have an appreciation of what
Members’ expectations are in terms of the level of service,
advice, travel arrangements and accommodation.
Tours will be much more than just travel and tickets to events.
Unsurpassed sporting, cultural and social experiences will be
provided on all tours.
PRIDE OF
WORKMANSHIP AWARD
Melinda Ognjenovksi (Customer Service, Venue Services)
and Min Lomo (Fitness Instructor, Stadium Fitness Centre)
were awarded the Pride of Workmanship Award by the
Randwick Rotary Club in November 2003. They were
nominated by SCG Member Dudley Tinyow.
The Pride of Workmanship Award is an approved Rotary
project instigated in 1975 by the Rotary Club of Pennant Hills.
The Pride of Workmanship Program enables managers in our
society to help employees achieve the goal of job satisfaction,
and publicly recognise them for their efforts.
Participating businesses promote the Pride of
Workmanship theme of "Do it once – Do it well" throughout
their organisation and nominate employees worthy of
recognition, not only within the organisation, but the wider
community. Nominees of the Pride of Workmanship Program
received a trophy in recognition of their achievements.
SOME OF THE MEMBERS' SOCIAL TOURS
TO BE OFFERED IN 2004:
• CRICKET
• TENNIS
• UNION
• LEAGUE
• RACING
Plus
ICC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
AUST OPEN and WIMBLEDON
WARATAHS in SOUTH AFRICA
STATE OF ORIGIN and TRI NATIONS
MELBOURNE CUP and HONG KONG CUP
Pipeline Master, Hawaii
English Premier League
Dates and details will be listed on the website –
www.sydneycricketground.com.au, Trust publications
and via e-mail. *Tours subject to change.
SCG Trust: www.sydneycricketground.com.au
Phone: 1300 724 737
E-mail: [email protected]
Address: Moore Park Road, Paddington, 2001
Experience Sport!: www.experiencesport.com.au
Phone: 02 9264 0266
E-mail: [email protected]
Address: Level 2, 600 George St Sydney 2000
Autumn 2004 | 17
SCG WICKET
PUTS RUNS ON THE BOARD
TESTING TIME FOR
ZIMBABWE
History was made yet again on 17 October 2003 when
Zimbabwe fielded a Test Match team for the first time at
the SCG.
Australia recorded a nine-wicket win and a series
whitewash over Zimbabwe, but that didn’t quell the
enthusiasm and dedication of the emerging cricketing nation.
In a post-match press conference Steve Waugh was
emphatic that playing at venues such as the SCG was the
best way to lift the standard and develop the game with
emerging teams such as Zimbabwe.
Stand-out performances during the Test included 118 by
Zimbabwe’s Stuart Carlisle, 6/65 by Simon Katich, 6/121 by
Ray Price (Zimbabwe) and the match winning partnership of
Matthew Hayden and Ricky Ponting.
36,000 FANS
CHEER AT 2004 WORLD SEVENS
The 2004 Cougar Bourbon World Sevens at Aussie
Stadium kicked off the football season in spectacular summer
sunshine on January 24 and 25.
The Australia Day long weekend didn’t deter hungry league
fans of all ages from turning out to cheer for their club sides,
with more than 36,000 supporters kitted out in their favourite
team colours attending over the two days.
In total 26 teams from 14 nations including England,
Russia, PNG, Lebanon, Tonga, Fiji, Samoa and a New Zealand
Residents team competed in the revamped competition.
Local teams included foundation clubs Norths, Newtown,
Western Suburbs and Balmain, along with the NASCA
Aboriginal All-Stars and NSW country.
For the first time in 2004 a four-tackle rule was introduced
along with a five-point penalty try for tries scored directly under
the posts.
West Tigers defeated last year’s winners Parramatta 18-7
to win the event. In the earlier ‘International Cup Final’ France
defeated Fiji 26-18.
18 | Around the Grounds
Player of the Match,
Matthew Hayden, and team
captain Ricky Ponting were
glowing in their praise of the
SCG wicket following
Australia’s emphatic 2-0 win
in the One-Day final on
8 February.
Ponting kicked off the
post-match press
conference by saying that it
was a very good wicket
with an outfield as fast as
anywhere in the world.
Top scoring with 126 and with a beaming smile that he
couldn’t hide, Hayden’s view was that it was the best wicket
of any he’d played on at the SCG.
The winning score of 5-359 equalled the Aussie’s all-time
highest score at the SCG providing a fitting batting finale to a
sensational summer of cricket.
In reply India could only manage a disappointing 151.
The face of the not so jubilant Indian Captain Sourav
Ganguly showed the strain of 10 weeks away from home and
family, a packed cricket schedule and an upcoming trip to
Pakistan with security matters upper most in the minds of the
Indian players.
“Australia lifted their game in the finals when it mattered.”
said Ganguly. “We just
couldn’t keep the
momentum going.”
Ganguly was full of
praise for his younger
players and believes
that playing against the
best in the world can
only improve them
going forward.
Much has been, and will
continue to be written about
the tragic death of David
Hookes. We asked Geoff
Tribute to
HOOKSEY
Lawson, OAM, Trustee, media
commentator, former
Australian bowler and
cricketing adversary of the late
David Hookes to share his
memories of the Aussie
David Hookes, ‘Hooksey’, ‘Hook’,
‘that South Australian mongrel’, are all
epithets that David William went by
when he came to the Sydney Cricket
Ground.
He never liked visiting the slow,
turning pitch as it was much unlike the
rolled road of his wonderful Adelaide
Oval. The boundaries were longer at the
sides, which took away his natural
ambition of playing square of the wicket
and he had to restrain his natural urge
to hit through the line of the ball with
little regard for slowness or turn.
If his time at the crease had not
coincided with the great West Indian
wrecking ball of fast bowlers, then I
believe he would have made a major
contribution at the elite level. His game
was maybe before its time, there is no
doubt that the current philosophy of the
national team would have suited
Hookesy down to the ground.
Late in his prolific career he
knuckled down and played
uncharacteristically, fighting hard,
building an innings rather than
bludgeoning. It was a sign of a mature
batsman, one who perhaps should have
done more at international level in his
younger, more spontaneous but
reckless days.
He had a particular rivalry with New
South Wales and was haunted by the
fact that the Crow Eaters (as they were
then) had never won at the SCG in his
time. His determination to make the
‘Bluebags’ suffer on their home turf was
significant.
Nevertheless he had the utmost
© Getty Images
cricketer.
respect for the manner in which NSW
went about its cricket and often publicly
trumpeted the aggressive, in your face
from the first ball, approach that made
the Blues successful through the 1980’s
and early 90’s.
David and I had our own personal
contest within the team set up that
started well before the infamous
‘telephone call’ and we looked forward
to every encounter. As much as that
clash was played upon and exaggerated
by the press, it was never personal, it
was only ever about cricket and doing
the best for our respective teams.
Outside the picket fence we shared
time, swapped cricket stories, still
disagreed on a plethora of issues but
ultimately were respected friends.
Tragedy is part of human life, it
surrounds us daily, that is not to say
that it is easily coped with.
Hooksey’s ghost may well spend
plenty of time whisping through the
George Giffin, the Edwin Smith or the
Bradman Stand at Adelaide Oval, but
it is welcome to visit the SCG
anytime, especially if it is feeling a bit
feisty.
www.davidhookesfoundation.com
Autumn 2004 | 19
MEMBERSHIP
N O T I C E B O A R D
Sale of Day Passes
The Trust continues to provide a limited number of day passes for
Members to purchase for nominated events at the SCG and
Aussie Stadium. Single Members may book one (1) day pass and
Double Members may book two (2) day passes to selected
events. Details of the matches where day passes are available will
be published in the Trust News Update (Sydney Morning Herald,
first Saturday each month) or visit the website for availability and
online bookings.
Seat Reservations
Gold Members who joined prior to 1996 will again have the
opportunity to attend selected events held at Telstra Stadium in
2004. This year’s events for seat reservation include:
For tickets and further information, contact membership on 1800
801 155. The Trust is limited to 100 tickets per international match
with fees applying for both grounds. For County Cricket matches
at Surrey, SCG/Gold Members need only display their
membership cards for entry.
Dress Regulations
It is apparent following the recent international cricket season that
some Members and their guests are not maintaining a satisfactory
standard of dress whilst in the Members’ Reserve.
Members are responsible for ensuring an acceptable standard at
all times, not only when entering the venue. Those Members and
their guests not suitably attired will not be granted access to the
Members’ Reserve. The following guidelines apply:
AUSSIE STADIUM
Males:
26 May
June TBC
7 July
7 August
3 October
State of Origin I
Rugby Union Test Match
State of Origin III
Bledisloe Cup Australia v New Zealand
NRL Grand Final
Seat reservation forms will be mailed to eligible financial Gold
Members in mid-March. Please refer to the booking form for
details and conditions.
Reciprocal Rights
SURREY COUNTY CRICKET CLUB (AMP
OVAL) AND MARYLEBONE CRICKET CLUB
(LORD’S)
Members travelling to the UK this year can take advantage of the
reciprocal arrangements with the AMP Oval and Lord’s. Major
fixtures include:
Neat casual attire – shirt with collar, dress
shorts/trousers and closed shoes. (No T-shirts,
rubber thongs or bare feet)
Females: Neat casual attire with shoes.
(No rubber thongs, bare feet or revealing attire)
SYDNEY CRICKET GROUND
Members’ Pavilion
Males:
Shirt with collar, long trousers, socks and closed
dress shoes. (No T-shirts, shorts, sandals, rubber
thongs or bare feet)
Females: Blouse with skirt/slacks or dress and shoes.
(No shorts, rubber thongs, tank tops, bare feet or
revealing attire)
M A Noble and Ladies Stands
Males:
Neat casual attire - shirt with collar, dress
shorts/trousers, and closed shoes. (No T-shirts,
rubber thongs or bare feet)
Females: Neat casual attire with shoes.
(No rubber thongs, bare feet or revealing attire)
LORD’S
20-24 May
6 July
10 July
22-26 July
5 September
England v New Zealand
England v West Indies
NatWest Series Final
England v West Indies
England v India
AMP OVAL
19-23 August
3 September
England v West Indies
England v India
20 | Around the Grounds
FOR CLARIFICATION, PLEASE OBSERVE THE
FOLLOWING:
Shorts and pants must be of a dress style (casual is acceptable).
Denim is also acceptable. Football style shorts, brief shorts,
boxer shorts, tracksuit pants or leggings are not acceptable.
Swimsuits, brief tops and clothing with offensive words or
symbols are not acceptable. Ragged, torn or unclean clothing is
not acceptable.Running shoes are permitted provided they are in
clean and good condition. Rubber thongs, masseurs, scuffs,
slippers and dilapidated footwear are not acceptable.
Reserved Seating for
Super 12s
In response to feedback, Gold Members now have the
opportunity to reserve a seat in Bay 65 of the Members’ Reserve
of Aussie Stadium for all Super 12 fixtures.
The cost to reserve a seat through Ticketek is $10. Seats will
be sold on a ‘next best available’ basis. Seats will be reserved for
15 minutes after the kick off of the main game.
*A Ticketek transaction fee of $3.95 applies to phone and
internet bookings. However no transaction fee applies if bookings
are made at Venue Services or in person at any other Ticketek
agency.
Telephone bookings: contact the Ticketek Members’ hotline
on 9266 4840.
Internet:
access the direct link from the Trust
website www.aussiestadium.com.au to
the Ticketek website for on-line bookings.
In person:
at Venue Services, opposite the entry to
Aussie Stadium or any other Ticketek outlet.
BOOKING OPTIONS
Please have your membership card number (located on the
back of the Member card at the top) and credit card details ready
when booking.
Single Gold Members may book one (1) reserved seat and
Double Gold Members may book up to four (4) reserved seats
(Gold Member, Guest and Club cards where applicable). Double
Gold Members may book a maximum of two (2) seats if Club
cards do not admit.
It is the Members responsibility to check the fixtures card for
Club card use. Any changes to Club card use as designated on
the fixtures card will be advised in the local press and/or on the
Trust website.
Note: A Ticketek ticket is not an entry ticket. The holder must be
a valid Gold Member or guest of a Gold Member and be in
possession of a valid Gold Member/Guest or Club card to gain
access to Aussie Stadium.
Club cards are not valid for the Waratahs v Brumbies game on
24 April.
TOWELS AND LOCKERS
From 1 March 2004 the hire price of a towel for use in the
SFC increased to $4.00 due to the number of towels not being
returned by Members.
With regards to the SFC, an upgrade of lockers is nearing
completion. The lockers will now be self-operating using a $2
coin. This is redeemed once the locker period is finished.
This allows for a more speedy access through Venue Services
with Members now not required to hand over their
Membership card.
NEW MERCHANDISE AVAILABLE
A new collection of SCG and Aussie Stadium
merchandise, ranging from stainless steel travel mugs to wine
openers and beer glasses are now available from VSO.
Traditional items such as polo shirts, silk ties and caps are still
available.
The SFC collection of merchandise has been expanded to
include a mens and womens style Members’ training T-shirt,
water bottle and a range of boxing accessories.
KIDS HOLIDAY PROGRAM
The next Kids Holiday Program will be held from
19-23 April. Activities include sports clinics conducted by AFL
(NSW/ACT) Commission, ARL Foundation, South Sydney
Rabbitohs, NSW Cricket Association, and Sydney Roosters.
Centennial Parklands will again be on board offering nonsporting activities, and for the first time a tennis clinic will also
be held.
For more details contact Stephen Bourne or Kim Anderson
at Venue Services on 9380 0376.
International Cricket
Programme 2004/05
• 11-14 November
• 8 December
• 2-6 January
• 23 January
• 6 February
Subject to change
NSW v NZ
Australia v NZ (ODI)
Australia v Pakistan (Test Match)
Australia v Pakistan (ODI)
2nd Final – One-Day International
NEW BOOKING SYSTEM
The Venue Services Office renovations are now complete
following the installation of a new computerised booking system.
All bookings from courts to personal training can now be made in
one simple phone call. On-line bookings for other activities will be
available later this year.
The introduction of the $15.00 court cancellation fee for
tennis and squash has received positive feedback. Members are
now cancelling bookings within the prescribed time, giving other
Members the opportunity to utilise the facilities.
Autumn 2004 | 21
WAUGH NAMES SCG
WORLD’S BEST VENUE
Steve Waugh has praised the SCG
and the Sydney crowds for his final Test
and said that the intimate nature of the
ground and its proximity to the crowd
makes the SCG one of the best venues in
the world.
Sell out crowds for the first three days
of the Sydney Test allowed Channel 9 to
broadcast the record breaking Test live which was a bonus for the many cricket
fans in Sydney and Australia.
THE BEST ATTENDED TEST
IN AUSTRALIA
A crowd of 189,989 attended the Test
match over the five days. This made the
Sydney Test:
• The highest attended Test match in
Australia during 2003-04.
• The largest five day Test match in the
history of the SCG*.
• The highest day four attendance at a
Test match in the history of the SCG.
*The 1946-47 Test match against
England with 195,253 in attendance was
a six-day Test.
RECORD INTERNET HITS
The Trust’s internet site –
www.sydneycricketground.com.au broke all records during the week of the
Test with total hits up 211%. On the first
day of the Test, Friday 2 January, 166,836
hits were recorded. The average is
39,000.
HONOUR FOR
TRUST CHAIRMAN
On January 26, Trust Chairman
Rodney Cavalier was awarded the
Officer in the General Division (AO) in
the 2004 Australia Day Honours for his
service to community with cultural,
literary and sporting organisations.
Before joining the Trust, he was a
member of the NSW Parliament, and
held several key Ministerial positions in
the Education, Energy and Finance
portfolios.
He was appointed as a Trustee
on 14 July 1996, and appointed
Chairman on 1 May 2001. He is also
the Chairman of the Committee for
the Sesquincentenary of Responsible
Government and Director of
the C E W Bean Foundation.
22 | Around the Grounds
Thoughts from the
SCG Team
"I am most likely the only person,
apart from Steve, who has witnessed
every ball bowled to him in his cricket
career here at the SCG.
I commenced operating the
scoreboard in November 1984. Steve
made his first appearance at the SCG as
12th man for NSW against South
Australia in a domestic limited-overs
game on February 16, 1985. Since then
he has appeared in 111 cricket matches
on the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Steve Waugh played in 17 Test
matches and I have seen every one of his
2,254 deliveries he faced in scoring his
1,084 runs. His 17 Test appearances now
equal those of Allan Border.
I stood and applauded him, whilst still
operating, as he departed the ground
after his final innings.
I look forward to seeing him in future
state games here at the SCG."
Ross Dundas, SCG Scoreboard operator
"It is intimate, you can hear the crowd, you can
feel them…It’s certainly one of the best venues in
the world and personally I couldn’t think of a
better place to play my last match."
Steve Waugh, 1 January 2004
THE WAUGH IS OVER
Another chapter of cricketing history
closed when Mark and Steve Waugh
played their last first class match at the
SCG when the SpeedBlitz Blues took
on the Queensland Bulls in a Pura Cup
match from 4-7 March.
On a brighter note Simon Katich,
being selected for both the Australian
One-Day and Test team to tour Sri
Lanka, and Michael Bevan, Michael
Clarke and Brad Haddin making the
One-Day team, were highlights for the
SpeedBlitz Blues in 2003-04.
OUT AND
ABOUT
Autumn 2004 | 23
AUSSIE STADIUM
SYDNEY CRICKET GROUND
(Gold Members Only)
(Gold & SCG Members)
DATE
EVENT
MARCH 04
Sun 21
Fri 26
Rabbitohs v Tigers
Roosters v Bulldogs
CLUB CARDS
YES
YES
APRIL 04
Sat 3
Fri 9
Sat 17
Sat 24
24/25
Sun 25
30/1/2
YES
YES
With M
N/A
YES
YES
YES
Roosters v Raiders
Waratahs v Highlanders
Roosters v Tigers
Rabbitohs v Cowboys
Semi-Final – Super 12 (TBC)
Rabbitohs v Warriors
Australia v Turkey – Soccer
Final – Super 12 (TBC)
Roosters v Warriors
YES
With M
YES
YES
N/A
YES
NO
N/A
YES
Waratahs v Scotland
Rabbitohs v Storm
Roosters v Knights
Waratahs v Pacific Islands
TBC
YES
YES
TBC
YES
YES
Sun 9
Sun 23
Sat 29
Swans v Tigers
Swans v Hawks
Bulldogs v Swans
YES
YES
YES
Swans v Saints
Rabbitohs v Dragons
YES
YES
Swans v Crows
Swans v Lions
YES
YES
JUNE 04
Sun 6
25/26/27
Sat 10
Sat 31
AUGUST 04
Sat 7
Swans v Kangaroos
YES
SEPTEMBER 04
TBC
Swans Semi-Final
TBC
NB. All fixtures are subject to change.
Watch daily press.
With M = With Member only.
N/A = Club cards will not be admitted for this event.
Event Times
Event times are provided on our website, phone
system and in major media leading up to events.
JULY 04
2/3/4
9/10/11
16/17/18
23/24/25
30/31/1
Swans v Dockers
Swans v Cats
JULY 04
JUNE 04
Sat 5
11/12/13
18/19//20
Sat 26
Sun 4
Sat 10
CLUB CARDS
MAY 04
Rabbitohs v Sharks
Roosters v Broncos
Waratahs v Hurricanes
Waratahs v Brumbies
Rabbitohs v Bulldogs
Dragons v Roosters
Roosters v Raiders
MAY 04
30/1/2
Sat 1
8/9
14/15/16
Sat 15
21/22/23
Fri 21
Sat 22
28/29/30
DATE
EVENT
APRIL 04
Roosters v Cowboys
Rabbitohs v Panthers
Roosters v Dragons
Rabbitohs v Roosters
Rabbitohs v Knights
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
Schedule Updates
Changes to event scheduling will be e-mailed to all
Members who have provided e-mail addresses.
You can submit your e-mail address to
[email protected]
AUGUST 04
30/31/1
6/7/8
13/14/15
20/21/22
27/28/29
Rabbitohs v Knights
Roosters v Sharks
Roosters v Panthers
Rabbitohs v Sea Eagles
Rabbitohs v Broncos
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
SEPTEMBER 04
3/4/5
10/11/12
Sat 18
Sun 19
Sat 25
Roosters v Eels
YES
Telstra Premiership – Qualifying Final (TBC)
YES
Telstra Premiership – Semi-Final
With M
Telstra Premiership – Semi-Final
With M
Telstra Premiership – Preliminary Final
With M
OCTOBER 04
Sat 9
Tooheys New Cup Final
YES
Club Cards
Club Card usage indicated is a guide only. The Trust
reserves the right to change Club Card access
dependant on event demand. Club Card usage is
listed on the Trust website and in Trust News, the
Trust’s column in the Sydney Morning Herald first
Saturday of every month. The appropriate Member
Card or Guest Card must always swipe in first to
activate the Club Cards.
www.sydneycricketground.com.au or
www.aussiestadium.com.au